Screen Time, Family Time: Finding Tech-Life Harmony

Send us a textTechnology has woven itself into the fabric of our daily existence—from how we work to how we parent, communicate, and even think. In this enlightening conversation with Laura Ollinger, a certified digital wellbeing coach and founder of Positively Healthy Coaching, we unpack the hidden costs of our hyperconnected lives and discover practical paths toward healthier digital balance.Laura shares her personal journey from tech-rule skeptic to digital wellness advocate, revealing how her experience parenting four teenagers transformed her understanding of screen time's profound impact. Rather than viewing digital wellbeing through a lens of restriction, she offers a refreshing perspective focused on what we can add to our lives instead of what we must take away.The conversation dives deep into "technoference"—how our devices disrupt genuine human connection—and the neurological hooks deliberately engineered by app designers to keep us scrolling, checking, and engaged. Laura explains how these digital experiences trigger dopamine pathways similar to slot machines, creating powerful habit loops that hijack our attention and erode our presence.Most valuable are the actionable strategies shared throughout: incorporating nature exposure to reset attention spans, establishing healthy work-life boundaries in a culture that expects constant availability, and cultivating what neuroscientists call the "default mode network"—the mental state where creativity and innovation flourish. Laura's approach meets us where we are, acknowledging technology's benefits while empowering us to reclaim control over how we engage with it.Whether you're a parent concerned about your child's screen time, a professional struggling with digital boundaries, or simply seeking more meaningful connections in a distracted world, this episode offers both the understanding and practical tools to transform your relationship with technology. Laura reminds us that true digital wellbeing isn't about perfection—it's about intentional choices that align with our deeper values and authentic human needs.PLATE & PONDER: EMPTY NESTING w/ Jen & Chris FentonWith a wine buzz, an empty-nesting married couple tackles a full plate of global issues.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the show

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